No local govt election this year

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker told reporters at the Election Commission in Agargaon on Thursday hat the commission was reviewing the timing of the upcoming local government elections and by-elections.

''We are considering holding the elections at a time that does not coincide with public examinations. There will be no elections in November or December because of annual examinations. Hopefully, the elections will begin in January.''

Responding to a question, Anwarul said the commission had earlier announced tentative dates but later found that annual examinations were scheduled across the country.

He also noted that floods had disrupted academic schedules, potentially delaying examinations and creating additional scheduling complications.

The commissioner said the EC was taking into consideration Ramadan, Eid, religious festivals, SSC and HSC examinations, along with other factors, before finalising the election schedule.

Asked whether the election dates had been postponed due to pressure from the government, Anwarul rejected the suggestion.

“The Election Commission did not postpone the dates under any pressure from the government,” he said, adding that election schedules were determined after considering practical circumstances, existing laws and the Constitution.